“Cursed” Cleveland Sports Might Get a Documentary
November 23, 2011Cleveland State Beats Kent State 57-53 Before A Packed House
November 23, 2011
We’ve discussed the rumors, and provided our opinion on the matter. Today, the Cleveland Indians have announced that they have agreed to a one-year deal with outfielder Grady Sizemore. The deal will reportedly pay Sizemore a base of $5 million with up to $4 million being attainable through plate appearance-based incentives.
The team declined Sizemore’s $9 million option earlier this fall, but reiterated that the team would keep lines of communication open with hopes of the player rejoining the team for the 2012 season. Though Sizemore had instant interest from other teams, it appears that the best option was for him to return to Cleveland at a bit of a discount with the hopes of putting together a healthy season that would enable him to elevate his value back to a level of respectability. As our own Jon put best, there isn’t a lot of guaranteed money lying around for players who are anything but a guarantee.
Back of the envelope, the Indians just nabbed themselves a high-upside option for $5 million, the exact same cost of a durable, back-of-the-rotation arm in Derek Lowe. The Tribe, in turn, employ a question mark for half of the price that it would have cost them if they had picked up his option, and they have an out if – at age 29 – the player never bounces back to the levels at which he played several seasons ago. Surely, these names are not going to wow anyone in or outside of Cleveland, but they’re just the type of gambles that a team like the Indians have to make if they’re going to build off of last season’s surprising run. It’s anticipated that another outfield bat will be added, but fans can rest assured that Ryan Braun is not walking through those doors.
Sizemore has been on and off of the disabled list for the majority of the last three seasons. He could conceviably haul in an additional $500,000 if he is awarded “Comeback Player of the Year,” which would in turn mean very good things for an Indians team in desparate need of solidity in the outfield.
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(AP Photo/Bret Hartman)
13 Comments
Muy bien
That clicking sound is Austin Kearns scrolling for other front office phone numbers.
Actually, mildly surprised the guaranteed number is that high. Tribe must have worried about getting even less production from other affordable options.
All things considered, seems like Grady got a hell of a deal. Hopefully the team will too.
I’m holding out judgement on this one way or another until I see him on the field in July, August, and September.
Ultimately, if they don’t make any other moves to improve this team in areas of desperate need, this isn’t going to be enough alone.
Nice to see them highly outbid some for a change.
Based on the $5 million dollar base, it would seem the Indians are optimistic. I can (almost) guarantee they wouldn’t pay that kind of money unless the odds were favorable. That makes me hopeful, because Sizemore is a great player when healthy. I like it and hope it works out well for everyone!
Love Grady. But my fear is that this will be the end of signings this winter. Derek Lowe and a player who was on our team last year. Ugh. I’m eagerly anticipating Dolpiro’s spin about having a healthy Choo is just like signing another player!
“Nice to see them highly outbid some for a change.”
It is but not on Grady. Sorry, he had three good weeks last year and we just handed him $5 million. Yes I know he had done more in years previous, but that was “years previous”
Seems high for me, but like stin I will reserve total judgement until August, er June.
And i echo the sentiments of others that if this Lowe and Sizemore were the “big moves” we were promised this winter, it’s not enough.
….wonder how many coffee cups $5 million can buy?
The coffee cup jokes were funny the first 5,000 times. Then they kind of lost their luster. Not funny anymore. At least make it original.
don’t care, still funny.
Nah, only if it’s a new take on it.
Hopefully a 1b is next.
Grady Sizemore… The anti-LeBron… Came back because he was unhappy at how his season ended the past several years and couldnt imagine wearing another uniform. No matter how it turns out I respect the hell out of the guy.